Abstract: The subject invention concerns new classes of pesticidal toxins and the polynucleotide sequences which encode these toxins. Also described are novel pesticidal isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis.

Abstract: Novel Bacillus thuringiensis toxins with hymenopteran activity are described.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel hybrid pesticidal toxins. These toxins are expressed as the fusion protein of a chimeric gene. Specifically exemplified is a novel B.t. hybrid toxin. These novel toxins have increased toxicity against target pests. The invention also concerns a process for preparing a hybrid virus having an altered insect host range.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are novel Bacillus thuringiensis isolates which have lepidopteran activity. Thus, these isolates, or mutants thereof, can be used to control such insect pests. Further, genes encoding novel .delta.-endotoxins can be removed from the isolates and transferred to other host microbes, or plants. Expression of the .delta.-endotoxins in such hosts results in the control of susceptible insect pests in the environment of such hosts.

Abstract: An improved Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) delta-endotoxin is created by the modification of the gene encoding the toxin. The toxicity of a B.t. toxin was improved by replacing the native protoxin segment with an alternate protoxin segment by constructing a chimeric toxin gene.

Abstract: Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxin expression in Pseudomonads can be improved by modifying the gene encoding the Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxin. Chimeric genes are created by replacing the segment of the Bacillus thuringiensis gene encoding a native protoxin with a segment encoding a different protoxin. Exemplified herein is the cryIF/cryI(b) chimera wherein the native cryIF protoxin segment has been substituted by the cryIA(b) protoxin segment, to yield improved expression of the cryIF toxin in Pseudomonads. The invention also concerns novel genes and plasmids.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and processes for controlling lepidopteran pests. These compositions comprise synergistic combinations of a CryIF chimeric and CryIA(c) chimeric Bacillus thuringiensis .delta.-endotoxin. These compositions have been found to exhibit excellent activity against lepidopteran pests.

Abstract: Novel Bacillus thuringiensis toxins with hymenopteran activity are described.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns methods and compositions for the selective control of pests. The method involves the administration of compounds which act on ecdysteroids or their derivatives or precursors. In a preferred embodiment, plants are transformed to express ecdysone oxidase which controls pests which feed on the transformed plants.

Abstract: This invention concerns genes or gene fragments which have been cloned from novel Bacillus thuringiensis isolates which have nematicidal activity. These genes or gene fragments can be used to transform suitable hosts for controlling nematodes.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are novel Bacillus thuringiensis isolates which have lepidopteran activity. Thus, these isolates, or mutants thereof, can be used to control such insect pests. Further, genes encoding novel .delta.-endotoxins can be removed from the isolates and transferred to other host microbes, or plants. Expression of the .delta.-endotoxins in such hosts results in the control of susceptible insect pests in the environment of such hosts.

Abstract: Novel Bacillus thuringiensis isolates with hymenopteran activity are described. Also described are toxins having the advantageous hymenopteran activity.This invention further concerns genes or gene fragments which have been cloned from the novel Bacillus thuringiensis isolates which have formicidal activity. These genes or gene fragments can be used to transform suitable hosts for controlling ants.

Abstract: Novel Bacillus thuringiensis toxins with hymenopteran activity are described.

Abstract: An improved Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) delta-endotoxin is created by the modification of the gene encoding the toxin. The toxicity of a B.t. toxin was improved by replacing the native protoxin segment with an alternate protoxin segment by constructing a chimeric toxin gene.

Abstract: Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxin expression in Pseudomonads can be improved by modifying the gene encoding the Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxin. Chimeric genes are created by replacing the segment of the Bacillus thuringiensis gene encoding a native protoxin with a segment encoding a different protoxin. Exemplified herein is the cryIF/cryI(b) chimera wherein the native cryIF protoxin segment has been substituted by the cryIA(b) protoxin segment, to yield improved expression of the cryIF toxin in Pseudomonads. The invention also concerns novel genes and plasmids.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and processes for controlling lepidopteran pests. These compositions comprise synergistic combinations of a CryIF chimeric and CryIA(c) chimeric Bacillus thuringiensis .delta.-endotoxin. These compositions have been found to exhibit excellent activity against lepidopteran pests.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns Bacillus thuringiensis isolates designated B.t. PS157C1, B.t. PS86A1, and B.t. PS75J1, which are active against aphid pests. Thus, these isolates, or variants thereof, can be used to control such pests. Further, genes encoding novel .delta.-endotoxins can be removed from these isolates and transferred to other host microbes, or plants. Expression of the .delta.-endotoxins in microbe hosts results in the control of aphid pests, whereas transformed plants become resistant to aphid pests.

Abstract: This invention concerns genes or gene fragments which have been cloned from novel Bacillus thuringiensis isolates which have nematicidal activity. These genes or gene fragments can be used to transform suitable hosts for controlling nematodes.

Abstract: This invention concerns novel gene probes which can be used to identify DNA from Bacillus thuringiensis microbes which encode protein endotoxins. The invention probes greatly facilitate the search for useful microbes hosting genes which encode toxins.

Abstract: Nematicidal .delta.-endotoxin encoding genes have been cloned from a novel Bacillus thuringiensis isolate known as B.t. PS17. These novel genes, designated B.t. PS17a, B.t. PS17b, B.t. PS17d, and B.t. PS17e, can be transferred to various microbial and plant hosts via known techniques. In the microbial or plant host, one or more of the genes of the invention can be used to express the novel nematicidal toxins to control susceptible nematodes.